Relationships are central and necessary to our lives in every way. Our earliest experiences are relationships with caretakers who are meant to meet our needs and help us develop a sense of trust and belonging in this world. Those first connections aid in the creation of maps for how to navigate other relationships as we age with partners and spouses, professional connections, our children and families, and even with those we see more casually throughout our lives. If we take a step back and think about it, our lives are complex webs of interconnected relationships that sometimes heal us and sometimes hurt us significantly. Practicing since 1985 and now the largest non-profit therapy practice in the capital region, the Samaritan Counseling Center works with couples, families, businesses, churches, and individuals on renewing and strengthening these relationships to promote healing and wellbeing. With a focus on integrating mind, body and soul with interconnectedness, we provide both private therapy services for our clients and also group mindfulness classes. We currently have locations in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties. If you would like to learn more about us or schedule an appointment, please call us at (518) 374-3514 so that you can begin working to strengthen your relationships and improve your mental and emotional well-being. The Center relies on private donations and foundation grants to make counseling more affordable by offsetting the cost. Fifteen percent of our community’s families have no health insurance. Many have lost coverage because of job layoffs and the economic downturn. And too often many insurance plans do not cover the cost of long-term counseling services. Because of these significant challenges, the Center’s board of directors and volunteers are actively engaged in obtaining ongoing philanthropic support. An Active Samaritan program has been established to encourage people, foundations and businesses to directly support the Samaritan Counseling Center and its mission. Active Samaritans are people of strength helping people in need. For more information about becoming an Active Samaritan, please visit our donations page.